28. Vibrant Media Inc.

No sharp elbows

The advertising business is notorious for its competitiveness—even among colleagues. But 11-year-old Vibrant Media has consciously taken steps to create a collegial atmosphere. “We do not have a lot of sharp elbows here,” said CEO Cella Irvine. All new employees are assigned a “buddy” to show them the ropes and explain the firm’s culture of cooperation. As a result, colleagues at Vibrant Media are so friendly that they often spend time together after work—and on weekends, too.

—Steve Garmhausen

NYC employees

100

U.S. employees

148

2010/2009 revenues (millions)

More than $100/n/d

Average salary

n/d

Voluntary turnover

17.1%

Layoffs

0%

New positions

68

Paid holidays

11

Time off

24

Health care premiums

100%

Green practices

Yes

Meal subsidies/day snacks

No

Onsite fitness/wellness program

No

Telecommute option

Yes

Time off for community service

No

Tuition reimbursement

Yes

Pictured: Vibrant Media employees.

CORRECTION: Vibrant Media does offer a telecommute option and tuition reimbursement; it does not offer onsite fitness. The company did not disclose its average annual salary. These facts were misstated in an earlier version of this profile.